HOW-TO'S

A selection of informative videos and step-by-step instructions on some of the most common assistive technology, web-based tools, and services utilized by students, staff and faculty at Sonoma State University. We made sure that these short and easy-to-follow videos have subtitle or closed caption embeded. This section will be updated regularly as the new and useful contents become available.

If you need further assistance, please contact DSS Senior Accessibility Coordinator at 707.664.4361 or jack.nguyen@sonoma.edu.

Moodle (https://moodle.org) is SSU's Learning Management System (LMS). Faculty may use Moodle to enhance their face-to-face courses, or to provide fully online courses. Moodle is the place where faculty can post course syllabi, host class discussions, post assignment details, and link to a variety of instructional materials.
For more information on Moodle training and support, please visit:

Adding a Moodle Quiz time extension (user override)

To extend the quiz time for an individual student, please follow the steps below:

Log into your Moodle course

Click on the link to the quiz for which an individual time extension (user override) will be added

Click on the User override link located under the Quiz Administration section of the Administration block (see blocks on right side). You will be directed to the User overrides page.

Click on the Add user override button on the User overrides page

Click on the name of the individual student for whom you wish to add an override (this step enables you to select an individual student whom will receive the accommodation).

Enter the number of total minutes this individual student will be granted in the Time Limit text box (the time limit includes the general time plus the additional minutes required for the accommodation per the DSS recommendation).

An inclusive learning software designed to support individuals of all ages, learning styles, and abilities with their tasks in research, read, and write while using their existing tools such as word processors, PDF reader, and web browsers. Read&Write is available for free to all Sonoma State University’s students, staff, and faculty. Members of the SSU community with an active Seawolf account may access the software on Mac or Windows workstations at computer labs and the library on campus as well as obtaining a copy for their personal Mac or Windows computers, iPad and Android tablets. Please visit SSU Information Technology Software Downloads page or contact the IT Help Desk at 707.664.4357 for instructions on how to get a copy of Read&Write.

Read&Write for Mac Support Page
A list of instructions on how to perform specific tasks and troubleshoot techniques for Read&Write Gold for Mac. By using simple keywords in this TextHelp's searchable database of frequently asked questions, you may find specific topics that cover from reading PDF files using the Preview app to customizing Speech options in System Preferences.

Read&Write for Windows Support Page
Similarly, users may find a number of instructions on how to perform specific tasks or troubleshoot techniques while using Read&Write for Windows. By using simple keywords in this TextHelp's searchable database of frequently asked questions, you may find specific topics such as scanning and preparing a PDF for reading aloud to enabling the useful Screenshot Reader feature.

Read&Write for iPad Keyboard
This video demonstrates how to use the Read&Write for iPad keyboard, to access tools like text to speech, word prediction and more on the iPad (approximately 4 minutes). (Closed captions available).

Read&Write for iPad Web Toolbar
This video demonstrates how to use the Read&Write for iPad web toolbar to read webpages in Safari (approximately 2.5 minutes). (Closed captions available).

Read&Write for Android Tablets (requires Seawolf ID)

Use your Seawolf username and password to access instructions (including serial number) on how to download, install, and activate the Rea&Write for Android tablets app: https://www.sonoma.edu/it/helpdesk/readwritetablet/. Not available on Android smartphones.

Read&Write for Android Tablet Overview
This video demonstrates how to use the Read&Write for Android keyboard to access supports like text to speech, word prediction and more on Android tablets (approximately 4 minutes). (Closed captions available).

Smartpen is a ballpoint pen with an embed computer that operates a built-in speaker, a microphone and memory storage. It records everything you hear, write and draw. Later, simply tap your notes to play back recordings. You can also save interactive notes and audio recordings to your computer or send them to people and destinations of your choice. Website: http://www.livescribe.com/

Echo Smartpen Features
This video helps you identify the main features of the Echo Smartpen (approximately 3 minutes).

This Notetaker process has been created for SSU students who have been recruited to be a notetaker for a student who is registered with Disability Services for Students (DSS) and is authorized to receive this accommodation. In order to be recruited, you must be enrolled in the same class as the student requiring a notetaker. Notetakers must attend class, communicate regularly with the DSS student about the quality and legibility of the notes, provide copies of notes in a timely and agreed upon manner, maintain student's confidentiality at all times, and contact the DSS student if unable to attend class. In order to complete the Notetaker process, students must:

Complete and submit a 204 Vendor Data Record Form if you do not have an on-campus job and you would like to receive a one-time stipend for this service. The Vendor Data Record Form can be located here: http://web.sonoma.edu/finance/procurement/vendor

Complete the Notetaker portion of the Notetaker Authorization Form, which you should receive from the DSS student who is authorized to request your services. The notetaker should retain this form and submit it to the DSS office, which is located in Salazar 1049.

If you are not volunteering and have completed the Vendor Data Record Form, you will be asked to provide your name, address, and signature on a Service Invoice, which will be submitted for payment approximately 4 – 6 weeks following the end of the semester in which the notes were provided. This form does require a “wet signature” so it must be signed and submitted in the DSS office by the deadline noted on the Notetaker Authorization Form.